Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- During Monday’s Effingham County Board Administrative Committee meeting, the ongoing debate over data centers took center stage.
Pat Lewis of the EASE Community Alliance called for a 12-month pause on new data center projects in Effingham County, mirroring a similar moratorium recently approved by the Effingham City Council. Lewis argued that more research is needed to understand the centers’ impacts and urged residents to reach out to state legislators. Nicholas Tkachuk echoed these concerns, speaking in favor of the moratorium.
County Board Chairman Josh Douthit expressed agreement with calls for more research but highlighted a key limitation: because Effingham County lacks zoning regulations, officials believe a county-wide moratorium isn’t possible. Instead, incorporated towns must take individual action if restrictions are desired.
The committee also discussed opioid funding efforts. Sheriff Paul Kuhns reported more residents enrolling in treatment programs, and additional funding is anticipated. Health Department Administrator Jeff Workman mentioned ongoing collaboration with local partners to enhance resources.
Financial items included a recommendation to raise the assistant public defender’s salary to $120k, reflecting recent state changes, and approval for $2k to support Dieterich’s July 4th festivities. Committee members endorsed a $2500/month salary for the public transit administrator, an annual service contract with CEFS Public Transit, and an extension of the Employee Assistance System through Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.
Appointments recommended for Board approval next week include members for the Board of Health, Airport Commission, and Housing Authority. Several committee members suggested opening the application process to allow a wider pool of candidates for future appointments.
Thr full Effingham County Board will vote on the recommendations during their meeting next Monday.
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